Annual Screening for Cancer and other Conditions

Plan to take care of yourself!

At the start of each year, we often set goal plans for ourselves. Plan to take care of your health by promptly scheduling all your recommended annual health screening tests at the beginning of the year. Many conditions such as high blood pressure, high lipid levels and colon cancer may not have early signs or symptoms.

Screening means checking your body for cancer before you have symptoms. Getting screening tests regularly may find breast, cervical, and colorectal (colon) cancers early, when treatment is likely to work best. Lung cancer screening is recommended for some people who are at high risk.

Important factors in determining when a test should be done or repeated include:

• Current health condition
• Your age
• Family history
• Lifestyle choices

What types of yearly screening tests are particularly important?

For women 40+:
Breast Cancer screen (mammography). According to the American Cancer Society, mammography, along with self-examination, is a woman’s best defense against breast cancer.

For men 50 +:

• Prostate exam. Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the U.S. However, there is effective treatment following early detection. Do not ignore problems such as painful or difficult urination or too frequent urination, especially at night. It may not be cancer, but it is best to be safe – contact your doctor to arrange for a test.

For everyone 50+:

• Colorectal cancer exam

Everyone 40+ should have a:

• Diabetes screen
• Blood pressure (hypertension) screen
• Cholesterol screen
• Comprehensive eye exam

Early detection of a disease or condition followed by recommended treatment can often lead to better results by lowering the risk of serious complications.

Take action!
Lighthouse Guild provides a full spectrum of integrated vision and healthcare services helping people who are blind or visually impaired.